CHANGE YOUR VOCABULARY
Words are vehicles by which we communicate and sometimes those vehicles carry baggage. There are few words which can evoke more negative images than the word “politics”. For many people politics infers (if not outright describes) everything that is antithetical to Christianity. Politics is about ego, self-promotion, self-interest, acquisition of power, compromise and a host of other qualities that are diametrically opposed to what a follower of Jesus should be concerned about. Our tendency is to confuse the character of the participants with the validity of the process.
Politics, rightly defined, is simply the process by which we codify our corporate values and standards. Since people who have differing values and standards must somehow live together politics is unavoidable. Unfortunately, Christians are notorious for ejecting from the process because of the demonstrable carnality which is ever present in politics. This reality has returned to put our faith and our concerns in the crosshairs of an adverse culture. It has also caused an internal conflict as we naturally desire the liberty to practice our faith, yet feel like an alien in the process which upholds it.
I have decided to cease using the word which carries such misconceptions and baggage and instead use phrases like “cultural engagement” and “comprehensive Christianity” to describe the Church’s involvement in the arena of public policy. I have been interviewed by various media outlets and invariably a question arises concerning a pastor’s involvement in “politics” or the church’s participation in “political activity”. One newspaper labeled me as “the political pastor”. I respond by saying that I am not a “political” pastor, but rather a “faithful pastor” or a “prophetic” pastor as I lead my people in comprehensively applying their faith. The church is no longer an arm of “political activity” but rather a movement to “engage the culture”. Jesus and the Gospel engages every arena of life because we really do believe that He is “King of kings and Lord of lords”. Jesus is not just a figure-head king with no real authority, but instead we accept Him as a living, ruling, and reigning King Who works through His people to redeem all things back to Him (Colossians 1:16-20). This simple suggestion for a Pastor to change their vocabulary is actually a great way to help transition the thinking of the people away from perceived baggage and instead focus on the real intent of being involved.
In the same manner, I refuse to use the vocabulary of the Church’s adversaries who seek to define us as narrow, bigoted, homophobic, and the like. For example, use of the acrostics LGBT or SOGI needs to be highly questioned. These groups are advocating for sexual anarchy not liberty. The acrostics are a euphemism for homosexual behavior and deep sexual confusion. There is a reason behind their use. The groups do not want the perceived (actually real) identity of what is happening to be revealed. Their vocabulary change is a clandestine attempt at covering up the truth. Ours is a redemptive attempt in assisting people in understanding how their faith is to engage culture.
Recently, I was involved in a discussion with the editorial board of a significant, metropolitan newspaper. This newspaper was advocating for special rights for people practicing homosexual behavior and sexual confusion. On multiple occasions the reporters used the words, “bigots”, “homophobes”, and “discriminators”. We already knew that we were labeled “anti-choice” instead of “pro-life” which further demonstrates the twisting of vocabulary to promote their agenda. During this discussion it was pointed out by the pastors which had gathered to discuss these issues that the newspaper was actually promoting “anti-Christian bigotry”. The newspaper administration recoiled in disbelief stating they were (of course) no such thing. The point was made that vocabulary is a vehicle to communicate certain realities which are as real to one group as they are another.
The bottom line is, Pastors need to seize the vocabulary that clearly articulates what it is the Church is really doing.
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